Edition of September 24, 2026

Château Coutet makes a case for ancestral viticulture

Château Coutet, a family-owned Saint-Émilion estate, continues using longstanding vineyard methods, including mule-powered harvest transport, amid climate and economic pressure.

Coutet provides a useful counterpoint to technology-led adaptation. Its approach asks whether soil protection, lighter vineyard traffic and generational continuity can deliver resilience without remaking the identity of the property.

Source: Terre de Vins Château Coutet Saint-Émilion Vineyard and CellarThe Vintage

Bordeaux opens a laboratory for warmer-climate wine research

According to Vinetur, Bordeaux researchers opened Oenoledge, a joint laboratory in Villenave-d’Ornon near Bordeaux, on September 3 to study yeasts and other microorganisms that can reduce alcohol, restore acidity and preserve wine style during fermentation.

Following a record-early and exceptionally warm 2026 harvest, adaptation is moving from long-term theory to immediate operational need. Research into vine behavior, ripening and wine balance will increasingly shape planting and cellar decisions across the region.

Source: Vinetur Vineyard and CellarThe Vintage

Sauternes 2023 confirms its balance in bottle

Sauternes and Barsac’s 2023 classified growths are now bottled, showing richness, freshness, botrytis expression and immediate appeal, with acidity higher than in 2022.

Sauternes needs vintages that combine classical concentration with freshness and accessibility. The first post-bottling view suggests 2023 could support a more contemporary, less ceremonious case for drinking sweet Bordeaux.

Source: Terre de Vins BarsacSauternes The VintageRules and Classifications